Leaders Bullish On Local Economy

Zoom is doubling down on its AI strategy. Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty ImagesZoom Video Communications Inc. is dropping video from its name in an AI-first rebranding effort. The company, best known for its videoconferencing, will now be known as "Zoom Communications Inc."Zoom isn't the only company revisiting its trajectory in the AI boom.

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, joining a growing list of major corporations that have done the same after coming under attack by conservative activists. The changes, confirmed by Walmart on Monday, are sweeping and include everything from not renewing a five-year commitment for an equity racial center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd, to pulling out of a prominent gay rights index.

Tish Cyrus-Purcell says her divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus was difficult even for her adult kids. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagicTish Cyrus-Purcell says her divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus was difficult even for her kids, who are now adults."For me, I never wanted to be divorced," Cyrus-Purcell said on a podcast. The former couple divorced in 2022.

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in "Gladiator II" and said he should 'quit the internet.'Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount PicturesPaul Mescal said that he has to "quit the internet."In the latest episode of "Happy Sad Confused," Mescal said his algorithm has "too much" of him. Mescal rose to fame after his role in the 2020 drama, "Normal People."Paul Mescal might be in need of a digital detox.

A Russian foreign deputy minister said Moscow is keeping open the option of deploying missiles in Asia if the US starts putting weapons in the Indo-Pacific. Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency/Getty ImagesRussia is considering deploying missiles in Asia if the US stations more systems there, a top official said. Sergei Ryabkov, a deputy foreign minister, said it was an option "discussed many times" by Russian leaders.

Walmart said it was rolling back some DEI initiatives. Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesWalmart is scaling back some of its DEI efforts. The company was under pressure from anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck. A spokesperson said some of the changes had been in the works for a long time. Walmart is the latest American company to reverse some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion or DEI initiatives.